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Landscape view from the top of Padar island in Komodo islands, Flores, Indonesia
donnchans | Adobe Stock

The 10 Best Things to Do in Indonesia

Stretching across 17,000 islands, Indonesia sits where the Indian and Pacific Oceans meet and offers experiences you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. Indonesia tops many people’s travel bucket lists, and for good reason. From visiting ancient temples to watching orangutangs swing in glee, we’ve gathered ten must-do things when visiting Indonesia. 

1. Explore the Ancient Temples of Borobudur and Prambanan

Borobudur Temple at Yogyakarta Java Indonesia. Borobudur Temple is one of the most visited temple in Indonesia.
munduuk | Adobe Stock

UNESCO-listed Borobudur and Prambanan are not to be missed when in Indonesia. Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and offers a mystical experience amid intricate stone carvings and stupas. Considered one of the seven wonders of the world, it was built in the 8th and 9th centuries. Located about 25 miles from Yogyakarta, you can get there by bus from the city’s center. Just hours away, the towering Hindu spires of Prambanan, a 9th century Hindu temple. Visitors can walk around the nearly 100-acres of temple grounds. 

Where to Stay (Borobudur): The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta – Handwritten Collection

Deluxe Room at The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - Handwritten Collection
Expedia

Where to Stay (Prambandan): Sumberwatu Heritage

Double room at the Abhayagiri - Sumberwatu Heritage Resort
Booking.com

2. Dive in Raja Ampat

Black and white reef manta ray flying around a cleaning station in crystal blue water
Subphoto | Adobe Stock

Located in the West Papua province of Indonesia, Raja Ampat is home to some of the most breathtaking reefs in Indonesia, and one of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem. With over 1,500 species of fish and 75% of known coral species, these pristine waters offer unparalleled diving experiences, from encountering manta rays to discovering vibrant coral gardens.Swim with large pools of fish, wobbegong sharks, turtles, and more. The best time to dive is October to April. 

Where to Stay: Raja Ampat Dive Lodge

Accommodation at Raja Ampat Dive Lodge
Expedia

3. Meet the Komodo Dragons on Komodo Island

Portrait of the Komodo dragon ( Varanus komodoensis ) the biggest living lizard in the world. On island Rinca, Indonesia.
Uryadnikov Sergey | Adobe Stock

Komodo National Park is home to the world’s largest lizards. Take a boat tour around the island and see them in their natural habitat for an unforgettable adventure. The pink beaches and rich marine life surrounding the islands add extra layers to this unique experience. Komodo Island is another UNESCO site thanks to the island being the only place in the world that the komodo dragons live. To get to the island, fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or via Jakarta or Bali. Once there, there are boat tours to take you around the island. 

Where to Stay: Menjaga Bay

Accommodation at Menjaga Bay
Expedia

4. Experience Bali’s Cultural Heart in Ubud

Young female tourist in red dress enjoying the Bali swing at Tegalalang rice terrace in Bali, Indonesia
Kittiphan | Adobe Stock

Located in Bali, Ubud is the perfect location to immerse yourself in Indonesia’s rich culture. Ubud is a haven for artists, and you can engage in Indonesian soul through traditional dance performances, craft workshops, and spiritual temples. The surrounding emerald rice terraces, particularly at Tegalalang, offer some of Indonesia’s most iconic views.

Where to Stay: Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites at Monkey Forest

Accommodation at Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites at Monkey Forest, Ubud - Adults Only
Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites

5. Trek Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo volcano (Gunung Bromo) during sunrise from viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan, in East Java, Indonesia.
freedom_naruk | Adobe Stock

Located in East Java, Mount Bromo provides views like nowhere else in the world. Watching the sun rise over Mount Bromo’s otherworldly volcanic landscape, with its smoking crater and sea of clouds, presents one of Indonesia’s most dramatic landscapes. If that wasn’t enough,  the surrounding Tengger massif and desert-like Sea of Sand create an almost lunar landscape. To get here, fly into Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, then take a bus to  Cemoro Lawang, the nearest village to the mountain. 

Where to Stay: ARTOTEL Cabin Bromo

Accommodation at the ARTOTEL Cabin Bromo
Expedia

6. Visit the Orangutans in Borneo

Wild Orangutans in the Tanjung Puting National Park
Hodossy | Adobe Stock

Journey through the lush rain forests of Tanjung Puting National Park to observe orangutans in their natural habitat. Watching these endangered great apes swing through the canopy while cruising along jungle rivers provides an intimate wildlife experience. Explore the park via a houseboat, or other boat tour– several tour companies operate in the area. 

To get there, you can fly into Pangkalan Bun (PKN), easily accessible from other airports in Indonesia. Most tours you book will pick you up from the airport to take you on your way. 

Where to Stay: Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge

Double Room at the Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge
Expedia

7. Discover Toraja’s Unique Culture

Tongkonan is a traditional house of the Toraja tribe which is usually used as a rice barn and a place to live.
xamnex | Adobe Stock

Deep in Sulawesi’s highlands, the Toraja region offers insights into one of Indonesia’s most fascinating cultures. Their elaborate funeral ceremonies, distinctive architecture, and traditional villages carved into cliffs present a completely different side of Indonesia. You’ll be awed by the stilted houses with horned roofs and buffalo skulls, exploring the rice terraces, see the standing stones in Bori Kalimbuan, and visit the ancient village of Kete Kesu. Fly to Sultan Hasanuddin airport in Makassar, where you can take a bus or join a tour to Toraja. 

Where to Stay: Sahid Toraja

Sahid Toraja Double Room
Expedia

8. Surf the Mentawai Islands

Surfer on perfect blue big tube wave, empty line up, perfect for surfing, clean water, Indian Ocean in Mentawai islands
Lila Koan | Adobe Stock

You’d be remiss to skip surfing when in Indonesia, and these remote islands off Sumatra’s coast offer world-class waves for surfers of all levels. Perfect barrels, consistent swells, and pristine beaches make this archipelago a surfer’s paradise, while the traditional culture of the Mentawai people adds a layer of immersion to the experience. There are several places that offer lessons if you have never surfed before, and you will find several places to rent a board. To get there, fly into Padang and take a boat or ferry to the islands. 

Where to Stay: Kandui Resort

Kandui Resort, mentawai islands
Mentawai Islands

9. Explore Traditional Markets in Yogyakarta

Woman selling Angkringan street food on the road side of Yogyakarta
Simon | Adobe Stock

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Yogyakarta’s traditional markets, where you can discover local crafts, taste regional delicacies, and experience daily Indonesian life. The Indonesian royal city still ruled by a Monarchy, you can visit  Keraton (Sultan’s Palace), see amazing silver jewelery being made at Kotagede and immerse yourself in the local culture. There is an airport in Yogyakarta, and once there, there are public busses, the Trans Joga, or you can rent a car. The city is extremely walkable as well. 

Where to Stay: Swiss-Belboutique Yogyakarta

Suite at the Swiss-Belboutique Yogyakarta
Expedia

10. Island-Hop Around the Gili Islands

Aerial drone view of a beautiful tropical beach and coral reef in Gili Air, Indonesia
whitcomberd | Adobe Stock

The three Gili Islands off Lombok’s coast offer distinct experiences: Gili Trawangan for its vibrant atmosphere, Gili Meno for romance and seclusion, and Gili Air for a perfect balance between the two. Crystal-clear waters, sea turtles, and car-free environments make these islands a tropical paradise. The islands are car-free, making for a truly remote experience, forcing you to explore the islands on foot or by bike. Located just ten minutes by speed boat from Lombok. 

Where to Stay: Pearl of Trawangan

Ocean View Room at the Pearl of Trawangan
Expedia

When Should I Visit Indonesia? 

Peak season for Indonesian tourism is July to September, which are the driest months. Shoulder seasons: April to June and October to November are fairly dry, and can be cheaper than summer months. December to March is rainy and cool, and not a recommended time to visit unless you want to risk being inside the whole time! 

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